Gorilla, bunny become odd friends at PA zoo

March 12, 2012 12:00:00 AM PDT

ERIE, Pa. --

A zoo in Erie, Pa. has a strange story of friendship. Samantha the gorilla has a new best bud- a bunny named Panda.

Talk about the odd couple. So why a rabbit? The zoo said the 47-year-old western lowland gorilla is too old to be introduced to another gorilla. Her previous companion, a gorilla named Rudy, died in 2005.

Some might wonder if a small rabbit is safe with a gorilla for a roommate. But zoo officials say Samantha has a gentle personality. She was hand-raised and was more comfortable around humans even when Rudy was alive.

A local paper reported Samantha and Panda get along well. Samantha will gently scratch under the bunny's chin and share her food.